Raiders rookie Obi Melifonwu ‘an athlete back there,’ but at what position?

Updated 10:02 pm, Thursday, December 7, 2017

Raiders rookie Obi Melifonwu was drafted as a safety out of college and played there in training camp and the preseason. His first NFL start, still his only significant playing time this season, came in Week 11 against the Patriots — at cornerback.

So which is he?

“I think he’s an athlete back there,” Raiders assistant head coach of defense John Pagano said Thursday. “I still see him as a safety, but he has ability he’s shown to be able to play corner.”

Melifonwu, the Raiders’ second-round pick in April, has experienced a strange rookie year. He missed part of training camp with an ankle injury and began the season on injured reserve with a knee issue. He made his debut Week 9 in Miami and played seven snaps on defense.

With injuries depleting their secondary, the Raiders started Melifonwu at cornerback in Mexico City against the Patriots, who targeted him several times on pass plays, including a 64-yard touchdown.

Melifonwu played 26 defensive snaps in that game. He has played a total of one in the Raiders’ two games since then, but has appeared as a gunner on special teams.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

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Oakland Raiders safety Obi Melifonwu (20) against the New York Giants during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Oakland Raiders safety Obi Melifonwu (20) against the New York Giants during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

Raiders rookie Obi Melifonwu ‘an athlete back there,’ but at what position?

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Head coach Jack Del Rio, who conceded after the New England game that using Melifonwu at corner was “a little bit” desperate, gave a generic answer when asked about Melifonwu’s playing time last week.

“We’re going to do all we can to put the best group out there that we feel can help us win the game,” Del Rio said. “That’s really it. Not going to get into individual discussions.”

The Raiders drafted Melifonwu to cover tight ends. They face one of the NFL’s best Sunday in Kansas City’s Travis Kelce, who leads all tight ends in receptions (66) and receiving yards (871). The Raiders opted not to use Melifonwu on Sunday against the Giants and tight end Evan Engram, who had seven catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Pagano said the Raiders are looking for “growth” from Melifonwu in his rookie year and that versatility can be an asset.

“I think the one thing Obi has done is he’s come to work every day, keeps preparing and he’s ready for the next opportunity,” Pagano said. “When his opportunity is going to be called upon, he’s got to go out there and he’s got to perform.”

Injury report: Receiver Amari Cooper (ankle) did not practice Thursday, increasing the likelihood of his missing a second straight game Sunday. Linebacker Cory James (knee), guard Jon Feliciano (concussion) and defensive lineman Jihad Ward (foot) also did not practice.

Receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (hip) and fullback Jamize Olawale (ankle) were limited. Running back Marshawn Lynch was given a rest day.

Honor roll:Linebacker Bruce Irvin is the Raiders’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes community service and on-field performance.